Permits to work
Where proposed work is identified as having a high risk, strict controls are required. The
work must be carried out against previously agreed safety procedures, a ‘permit-to-work'
system.
The permit-to-work is a documented procedure that authorises certain people to carry out
specific work within a specified time frame. It sets out the precautions required to complete
the work safely, based on a risk assessment. It describes what work will be done and how it
will be done; the latter can be detailed in a ‘method statement'.
The permit-to-work requires declarations from the people authorising the work and carrying
out the work. Where necessary it requires a declaration from those involved in shift
handover procedures or extensions to the work. Finally, before equipment or machinery is
put back into service, it will require a declaration from the permit originator that it is ready
for normal use.
Contributory factors for an assessor to consider concerning
the Work Permit System
The Safety Report should address the following points:
Whether staff have been sufficiently informed, instructed, trained and supervised to
minimise a potential human failing during operation of the work permit system;
Whether the work permit system includes sufficient safety information, maintenance
instructions, correct PPE and equipment for use;
Whether the work permit contains sufficient information about the type of work required
(Equipment removal, excavation, hot/cold work, repairing seals, vessel entry, waste
disposal, isolation);
Whether there is sufficient provision available to fulfil the requirements of the work
permit system;
Whether the employees responsible for control of the maintenance work are identified
within the work permit system and that the work is properly authorised by a responsible
person;
Whether the work permit system is managed, regularly inspected and reviewed;
Whether all work permits are kept on file;
Human factors (stress, fatigue, shift work, attitude);
Whether sufficient precautions are taken prior to initiating a work permit (isolation,
draining, flushing, environmental monitoring, risk assessments, communication, time
allotted for the work);
Whether staff are aware of the type of environment they are working in during the
operation of a work permit (flammable, corrosive, explosive, zones 0, 1 & 2, electricity
supplies);
Whether the person responsible for operating the plant is aware of the type of
maintenance involved and how long it is likely to take; and
Whether the work permit system involves a formal procedure whereby the maintained
plant or equipment is handed back to operation.
Where proposed work is identified as having a high risk, strict controls are required. The
work must be carried out against previously agreed safety procedures, a ‘permit-to-work'
system.
The permit-to-work is a documented procedure that authorises certain people to carry out
specific work within a specified time frame. It sets out the precautions required to complete
the work safely, based on a risk assessment. It describes what work will be done and how it
will be done; the latter can be detailed in a ‘method statement'.
The permit-to-work requires declarations from the people authorising the work and carrying
out the work. Where necessary it requires a declaration from those involved in shift
handover procedures or extensions to the work. Finally, before equipment or machinery is
put back into service, it will require a declaration from the permit originator that it is ready
for normal use.
Contributory factors for an assessor to consider concerning
the Work Permit System
The Safety Report should address the following points:
Whether staff have been sufficiently informed, instructed, trained and supervised to
minimise a potential human failing during operation of the work permit system;
Whether the work permit system includes sufficient safety information, maintenance
instructions, correct PPE and equipment for use;
Whether the work permit contains sufficient information about the type of work required
(Equipment removal, excavation, hot/cold work, repairing seals, vessel entry, waste
disposal, isolation);
Whether there is sufficient provision available to fulfil the requirements of the work
permit system;
Whether the employees responsible for control of the maintenance work are identified
within the work permit system and that the work is properly authorised by a responsible
person;
Whether the work permit system is managed, regularly inspected and reviewed;
Whether all work permits are kept on file;
Human factors (stress, fatigue, shift work, attitude);
Whether sufficient precautions are taken prior to initiating a work permit (isolation,
draining, flushing, environmental monitoring, risk assessments, communication, time
allotted for the work);
Whether staff are aware of the type of environment they are working in during the
operation of a work permit (flammable, corrosive, explosive, zones 0, 1 & 2, electricity
supplies);
Whether the person responsible for operating the plant is aware of the type of
maintenance involved and how long it is likely to take; and
Whether the work permit system involves a formal procedure whereby the maintained
plant or equipment is handed back to operation.
